2/16/2013 |
Murphy ready to take on top left-handersRangers left fielder David Murphy hit .347 against left-handed pitching in 2012, with a .405 on-base percentage and a .440 slugging percentage. All three numbers were easily the highest for him against left-handers in five full seasons with the Rangers.

2/16/2013 |
Gamel braced for starting duties at firstMat Gamel talked to reporters this week while carefully fitting a bulky black brace around his right knee. One strap at a time, he tightened the device that he hopes will carry him through the spring and into the regular season.

2/16/2013 |
Kershaw awarded third straight Opening Day startClayton Kershaw was named the Dodgers' Opening Day starting pitcher by manager Don Mattingly on Saturday. The lefty will be the club's first to make three consecutive Opening Day starts on the mound since Derek Lowe from 2005-07.

2/16/2013 |
Robinson wants O's to give him 'a long look'The Orioles had every player accounted for on Saturday morning for the first full-squad workout -- with infielder Yamaico Navarro in camp, as well as outfielder Trayvon Robinson, who cleared waivers on Friday.

2/16/2013 |
Peralta's stiff neck improvesJoel Peralta reported on Saturday that his stiff neck had improved dramatically enough to where he could long toss.

2/16/2013 |
Crane honored to host Obama at golf courseAstros owner Jim Crane is hosting a vacationing President Barack Obama at his Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Fla., this weekend, and the two are scheduled to play a round together on Sunday.

2/16/2013 |
Soriano arrives at Nationals' campNationals closer Rafael Soriano arrived in camp on Saturday morning and was greeted in the clubhouse by teammate Gio Gonzalez and general manager Mike Rizzo. Soriano would later get reacquainted with left-hander Will Ohman. The two played together when they were with Atlanta in 2008.

2/15/2013 |
Orioles sign righty Jurrjens to Minor League dealThe Orioles officially signed Jair Jurrjens to a Minor League contract on Friday night with an invitation to Spring Training, a deal that was struck after three weeks of the agreement being in limbo.

2/15/2013 |
Francona wants Day 1 energy to permeate campIndians manager Terry Francona liked the energy level he saw from his players during Friday's full-squad workout. He is hoping that the team continues to display the same intensity as Spring Training rolls on.

2/15/2013 |
Rangers reshaping team identity without YoungMichael Young's stature among his teammates, the stature achieved during 13 seasons of solid production and leadership, is one of the more interesting things the Rangers will be attempting to replace this season.

2/15/2013 |
Choo under scrutiny during first workout with RedsAfter the full squad reported to camp on Friday, the Reds held an afternoon workout. No player came under as much scrutiny as new Shin-Soo Choo, as 25 members of the South Korean media were issued credentials to cover his first workout.

2/15/2013 |
Chipper delays return to Braves until SaturdayChipper Jones and Fred McGriff will always be linked as the corner infielders of Atlanta's 1995 World Series champion team. This week they will serve as the guest Spring Training instructors for the Braves.

2/15/2013 |
Straily determined to earn final spot in A's rotationDan Straily is battling to win the final spot in Oakland's rotation -- led by Brett Anderson, Jarrod Parker, Tommy Milone and most likely Bartolo Colon -- after a brief appearance in the big leagues last sesaon.

2/15/2013 |
'Best interest' for Thornton to skip ClassicWhite Sox reliever Matt Thornton thoroughly enjoyed his World Baseball Classic experience with Team USA in 2009, but he made a difficult decision to skip this year's event.

2/15/2013 |
Optimism abounds after full-squad workoutRoyals Spring Training is officially on. The first full-squad workout was held on Friday, ending in mid-afternoon sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s.

2/15/2013 |
Wells takes high road regarding new roleThe situation that currently surrounds Vernon Wells reeks of Bobby Abreu heading into Spring Training last year -- big-name player, coming off a subpar season, with an immovable contract and without a defined role.

2/15/2013 |
Healthy Beltran knows not to overdo itAfter allowing some time for the aches and pains brought on by the wear and tear of a full season, Carlos Beltran said he resumed his normal offseason regimen on schedule and felt "great" Friday.